Hyper-ballistic transport models of Copernican ejectaAs the ejecta curtain sweeps outward from the crater which forms after meteorite impact, fine particles may receive a hyperballistic boost from the expanding gas cloud created by vaporization. In modeling the phenomenon, this paper considers both spatial and frequency variations of the particle size parameter. Two models which preserve spatial homogeneity within the elliptical transient crater serve to test the effects of different particle-frequency distributions. Three models which feature identical spatial nonhomogeneity of particle sizes serve to test different crater-formation rates. From 1 to 6% of the total ejected mass is sent beyond the maximum ballistic range of 437 km, according to the five models, each of which is a possible simulation of the lunar crater Copernicus.
Document ID
19780057834
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Proceedings
Authors
Rehfuss, D. E. (San Diego State Univ. San Diego, CA, United States)
Michael, D. (San Diego State Univ. San Diego, CA, United States)
Anselmo, J. C. (San Diego State Univ. San Diego, CA, United States)
Kincheloe, N. K. (San Diego State Univ. San Diego, CA, United States)
Wolfe, S. A. (San Diego State University San Diego, Calif., United States)